Common Center is a 7-piece ensemble of 12-string guitar, violin, saxophone, keyboards, bass, and drums. Their compositions intermingle soft, mellifluous tones with punchy, driving rhythms—a balance between meditativeness and ferocity. The goal is transcendence.
The band's influences range from progressive rock and folk roots to classical music, gypsy grooves, and avant-garde and experimental groups from around the world. The lyrics explore themes of consciousness, friendship, and inter-dimensional travel. Poetry intertwines with operatic swells and occasional, dream-like overtones. Multi-part vocal and instrumental harmonies have the power to both lull and invigorate listeners.
Their most recent studio releases came in the form of two sister EP's launched seven months from each other in 2018. According to Mike Breen of CityBeat Magazine, the EP's material form "a dichotomy that makes perfect sense when you hear how the music floats between an old-world vibe and a more contemporary, Pop-era sensibility. Ultimately, the musicians’ multifarious fusion achieves a sense of timelessness."